Crans-Montana - идеальное место для путешествий на велосипеде во время Тур де Франс
Crans-Montana wholeheartedly identifies with the Valais Wallis Promotion strategy to develop an attractive product dedicated to cycling. With this in mind, it has become the first destination in Valais to launch the process of certification of such a large network of local routes.
Aware of the potential in the region, Crans-Montana is adding to its already substantial touristic offer by developing infrastructure dedicated to various cycling disciplines. With over 200km spread over 10 new routes, carefully designed by Tour de France regular Steve Morabito, the destination is emerging as the favourite Swiss Alpine destination for road cycling. This ambition to make cycling a key touristic product is also reflected in the appointment of new ambassadors for 2016, Johann Tschopp, double Swiss mountain biking marathon champion, and also the Coubès brothers, who represent and promote the region in the same field.
Interview with Steve Morabito
Steve Morabito, currently in the middle of the Tour de France, answered a few of our questions about the development of routes in Crans-Montana.
Valais Wallis Promotion has chosen 2016, the year that the Tour de France returns to us, as the year of cycling. The organisation selected Vélo Evolution, your company, to create a project for the canton, the Valais Vélo Tour. What are the strengths that make Valais stand out compared to key destinations for cycling tourism such as Tuscany, the South of France, or Majorca ?
The Canton of Valais is still virgin territory as far as infrastructure is concerned for welcoming cyclists, although its potential is enormous ! We're lucky to have a great playground here ! The strengths lie in the quality of its roads, the diversity of routes (valley, hillsides, mountains and high mountains), a mild and dry climate, a vast choice of hotels and residences, and a strong desire at a cantonal level to position Valais as a top destination for cycling !
All cyclists are fond of passes, legendary climbs and breathtaking scenery ! And we're lucky as we have all of that and more ! Because "new cyclists" want more than that, and they can also appreciate the many attractions that the canton has to offer, whether culinary, wine tourism, cultural, historic, wellness or family.
9 routes were presented to the Crans-Montana communes, what types of routes did you propose ? Do you have a favourite route and why ? For "Cyclo-Sportif" cyclists, I propose routes around Crans-Montana.I want them to explore my training routes. I've also mapped a few climbs, a chance to really push hard on the pedals ! A route with gravel sections, on dirt roads, is also on offer. Total escape and adventure guaranteed !
My favourite has to be "Secret Roads" where I propose some beautiful downhill routes to the valley, befor climbing back up to the resort via roads which aren't very well known at all, even to local cyclists !
For "Cyclo-Sportif" cyclists, we'll take them around Crans-Montana. There are so many corners of the resort to visit ! With a little pedalling, they can get to know the resort.
As far as you know in Valais or in Switzerland, is there any other destination which is developing as many local road cycling routes ?Several destinations have really developed their mountain bike routes. But as far as road cycling is concerned, Crans-Montana is leading the way !
To date, what's happening with the certification process ? What feedback have you received from the the State, the communes or from ValRando?At the moment, the dossier has been passed to Valrando to start the certification process. All of the communes in Crans-Montana support the project enthusiastically, and the first contact with neighbouring communes has also been positive !
Bikepark, Downhill and Mountain Biking
The Crans-Montana Bike Park, which opened on 25 June, offers two additional downhill tracks : a black and a red run. From the ski area, these routes offer panoramic views over the Rhone Valley, then a forest section with technical parts. At the end of the route, two North Shore areas and a pumptrack are available.
Mountain bikers are particularly fond of the destination for its 11 routes (177km) of enduro and cross-country for different levels, which have been certified and signposted.
All the facilities for a 100% bike holidayBike schools offer introductory or more advanced courses as well as customised programmes and exploratory tours in the different disciplines. Moreover, the destination has three hotels which are certified "Swiss Bike Hotels", which guarantee cyclists the infrastructure and services adapted to their sport. Lots of shops offer rental and repair services, and the funicular does not charge for transporting bikes. The website and the Crans-Montana app has detailed maps of all the routes.
